I started yet another blanket. This time, though, I'm only using 5 colors. The first blanket I was working on will be put on hold for now because I ran out of white yarn for the edges. I tend to get easily bored when I stick to one thing for a long time so I'm alternating projects to keep me going.

I'm also happy to announce that the shop will open very very soon! I'm slowly grasping the whole idea as I see it becoming more real everyday. It's all so overwhelming!

August is a month of changes and beginnings for us. I can't wait to tell you all about it!

This is what I sent to Caryn for July's Creative Swap. Since she celebrated her birthday on the same month, I included some extras for gifts.



I made her this necklace and a pair of earrings. Wasn't able to make decent pictures of them, though. This is the only one that looks okay. Maybe she will make a photo of them. (I'm still using my phone as camera since my lens broke. I might buy a new lens soon!)

I really had fun putting these together and I'm glad she likes them. Can't wait to receive mine! :)

If you'd like to join in our next swap in September, you're very much welcome. You can read about it here.

The thought that we're getting a sunny weekend inspired me to use my summer colored yarns. I'm learning to crochet balls, and so far I've only made two small ones because I don't know how to close the balls that don't show holes from the decreasing stitches. So I made a glass holder instead and I think it looks nice. I guess I need to practice some more.

I can't seem to get the words out lately. I don't know. I find myself thinking more, talking less and working with my hands while my eyes are glued to the tv watching dvd after dvd. And I'm enjoying myself. But I always look forward to Mike coming home. It's the best time of my day.

The weather's been dull these past few days that's why I stuck to my sunshine-y fabrics to work with. I've never liked yellow like this before but now I'm hooked. So here are more of the things that are currently unfinished but will definitely be this weekend.

Another pouch adorned with wooden flower buttons. I'm not so sure if the buttons work but they look quite good as it is. This is inspired by the cover of this book that I'm thinking of buying. Still have to attach thin garter straps which I don't have yet so it's more likely finished tomorrow.



A small book bag lined with the same material as the front pocket. I lined the pocket with a soft linen/canvas I bought from Ikea a year ago. I only have to sew the top to join the fabrics together + the strap and it's finished. I'm still playing with the idea of the lining sticking out like that of the pouch to add a little flair to the bag and show off that beautiful fabric of flowers or keep it mild and subtle by hiding it inside. It's the first pocket I've ever made so it's a little askew on the top. Was supposed to make an inside pocket but decided on putting it out because the bag is smaller than I initially planned.



I also made a pillow pincushion using the same fabrics and a pencil case is in the making. They're not picture worthy yet so will show them next week.

I've been busy sewing lately that I neglected some house work. I was too engrossed with the stuff I was working on and playing Wii that I kept forgetting to do the laundry. The house is topsy-turvy! It's like a typhoon passed through our living room overnight. I couldn't be bothered to clean up because the mess actually added to my sewing inspiration. Sounds crooked but it really did, and now it's getting to me. I just did some tidying up and dusting this morning and will do the rest after this entry. I need a break, you know.

Anyway, I have to get back to my domestic duties and finish where I started.

I wish you all a sunshine-y weekend with your family and friends!

A book bag turned pouch that I whipped up yesterday. It's been a year since I worked behind a sewing machine so I had to reacquaint myself with the basic sewing that I know. I spent a lot of time systematizing - adjusting, cutting and visualizing the turnout - ironing and pinning. Oh, pinning sure makes things easier! I don't use patterns - I end up making a lot of errors when I have to follow something. It's easier for me to work it on my own. It's painstakingly slow but this is my method. I learn this way. I'm not lucky with my estimations all the time so I end up having less width than I wanted, but I always make something else of it so it doesn't go to waste.



The trickiest parts so far are sewing linings and the bottom part of the bag that makes it flat - no idea how to call that. Will show you once I've nailed it down.

The colors remind me of spring, daisies, sunshine and my mother who loves yellow.

What do you think?

Today's brunch was milk and bagel with brie. It's been a while since I had a bagel and drank fresh milk so it's worth sharing.

On other things, my head is buzzing with ideas and making lists keeps me sane. I had to put down the books I have been reading to avoid chaos and confusion up there. Mental multi-tasking is an art I have yet to master. When we were at a cousin's birthday party yesterday, my hands were itching to grab the notebook stashed inside my bag so I could sketch designs and make more lists. It'd be rude to do that so I spent the time telling Mike about it. I couldn't wait to put the idea into picture then execute to see if it works. The coming weeks will be all about that.



Looks like Little Ms Firefly and I are on the same creative wavelength as we've been making new flatcard designs recently. Go check her blog and see all the lovely things she makes.


I have been toying with the idea of making my own envelopes but didn't get to it until a few evenings ago. I'm quite pleased with the result so I'm making more of them to match the flatcards for my spring collection. I'm going to put these up for sale as soon as the shop website is up. In the meantime, I will busy myself with making other things which I will show you in the coming days. If you do wish to purchase now, feel free to e-mail me and I will fill you in with the details.

You've no idea how this is exciting and scary for me. To actually put the stuff I make out there hoping that someone somewhere will like them. But I'm going to try anyway!

1. What kind of creative things are you into?
I crochet, sew, make cards and bead jewelries.

2. How would you describe your personal style? (girly, ethnic, modern, etc.)
I'm girly with a mix of cute and fun.
Currently into fruity and colorful prints.
I love flats and puff sleeves!
Just check my flickr photos for reference.

3. What are your favorite colors?
Bright red
Pastel Pink and Fuschia
Leafy Green
White
Baby blue

4. What is one craft you would like to learn?
Sketching/Painting

5. What other hobbies are you into?
Reading
Photography
Blogging
Traveling
Singing and songwriting

6. What items do you really wish you had right now?
A closet for all my crap err.. craft stuff because I really need one!
A cutting board -- for some reason, I still don't own one. Keep forgetting about it when I'm in the craft store.
A rack for my scrapbook papers and cardstocks

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Caryn from sari-saring kulay is the woman behind this creative swap. She made the logo and all the swap details. Creative, huh? So if you want to join, please read the mechanics below and send her an e-mail. Or you can mail me and I will forward her the details. :)

Mechanics of the swap:

1. Post the mechanics and logo on your blog and answer the meme. This will serve as reference for the people who will be sending you stuff. If you could, please tag back to Caryn's page so other interested people can also sign up.

2. The swap is on a monthly basis. You will be assigned a swap partner on rotation. Consult the meme that your partner posted on his/her blog and send 4 items.

3. The three items are as follows (1-something you made, 2-a craft material you think he/she would enjoy and 3- a snack or something you like munching on before, during or after the creative rush---It'd be nice to send something interesting from where you are currently based, 4- a short note or card to say 'Hi!')

4. Items should be posted on the last day of each month.

5. Wait to receive your items and then post something about it on your blog.

6. Other crafters who aren't bloggers are also welcome to join; you just have to send an email with your name, address and answers to the meme above to be included in the rotation. Emails may be sent to gandarynako-at-yahoo-dot-com.

7. On the first week of each month you will be sent the details of your next swap partner. Please try to keep all details confidential.

Join us!!